New Caledonia has recorded its first death of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The latest outbreak of Covid-19 in New Caledonia has seen a surge in vaccinations in the French Pacific Territory. 7 September 2021 Noumea, New Caledonia. Photo: Clotilde Richalet / Hans Lucas
The fatality was announced by President Louis Mapou this morning in a televised address.
He said the victim was an elderly person who died in hospital.
The fatality comes four days after the first three cases of the latest community outbreak were detected.
Mr Mapou said the crisis is unprecedented and the only means to counter the pandemic is vaccination.
He said another 51 infections were detected, bringing the total to 117.
A lockdown has been in force since Tuesday.
New Caledonia's members of the French legislature have asked France to send medical personnel because there are not enough specialists to staff the ICUs set up.